Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia:Sister Cities Program

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Youth Art Gallery, Terminal A-East Baggage ClaimOpen to the public

Houston Playground

Portside Arts Center

Torresdale Recreation Center

Science Leadership Academy

Vare Recreation Center

Young artists from throughout Philadelphia were inspired to create artwork that celebrates their city and promotes citizen diplomacy through their visual interpretations of the region in which they live. The artwork depicts numerous historic landmarks that include the Benjamin Franklin Bridge—a suspension bridge that connects Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Camden, New Jersey; and Eastern State Penitentiary—a 19th-century prison designed to create social change. The artwork also highlights points of pride like our beloved sports teams the Eagles and Flyers along with a variety of themes such as peace and equal rights.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia, an organization that fosters U.S. foreign relations as they say, "one handshake at a time." Citizen Diplomacy works to connect the Philadelphia region by welcoming international guests—politicians, business persons, economists, arts and cultural leaders, academics, and journalists—"people who work to affect positive change in their countries." Their proactive exchange efforts work to promote the city's economy and its contributions to the world.

Philadelphia's Sister Cities program engaged young artists from several of the City's recreational centers and Science Leadership Academy to visually express their passion for their city. By creating artwork that welcomes visitors from around the world, this project continues the legacy of Citizen Diplomacy "to create a friendly and welcoming environment that encourages open discussion and fosters the mutual understanding that we hope will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous world."